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| The Official Newsletter of MOMSense Tuesday, July 3, 2007
 When I joined my MOPS group five years ago, I was a lonely, first-time mom looking for someone to talk to about mothering my one-year-old son. Thankfully, my new mom-friends gave me oodles of support and helped me find perspective when I felt overwhelmed. They reminded me that the preschool years are only for a season.The July/August issue of MOMSense magazine is about learning to zoom out and gain a seasonal perspective in mothering so you can look beyond the moment with a view toward the whole of life. In "Living Life Backwards," Carol Kuykendall relates how life today really does fit into the bigger picture even though we may not always feel that way. We welcome Naomi Cramer Overton as the second president of MOPS International. She joined CEO Elisa Morgan and the MOPS staff in June. Her passion is to support MOPS by building on what the organization does best: connecting moms and providing excellent resources. Get to know her as a mom, a woman, and a leader by reading her Up Close & Personal interview. Don't do mothering alone. Find a MOPS Group in your area today or encouraging mom resources by clicking on the MOPS icon on the right hand column. Also in this issue:
 Mary Darr Editor, MOMSense magazine MOPS International, Inc. To reply to this newsletter: parenting@christianitytoday.com advertisement
 UP CLOSE & PERSONALUp Close & Personal with Naomi Cramer Overton Get to know the new president of MOPS International. Naomi Cramer Overton became the second president of MOPS International Inc. on June 1, 2007. Naomi is the right person to lead the organization for this generation's mothers of preschoolers. Her passion is to support MOPS in building on what the organization does best (connecting moms and providing excellent resources), while continually learning how to take that even further. | more |
 Sibling RivalsQ. My preteen daughters can sometimes be the worst of enemies. They compare themselves to one another, brag about personal successes, make fun of each other's shortcomings, and grow jealous of the other's possessions or accomplishments. How can I help stop the rivalry? A. Many things just "go together," and siblings and rivalry are among them. On some level, all siblings experience this tension in their relationship. In fact, I have vivid memories of rivalry between my sisters and me. Comparisons, jealousy, mocking, teasing—you name it, we did it. If you had siblings, then you, too, understand: Sibling rivalry is natural. Almost all children and adults compete with those around them. And if you think about it, there's no one with whom you have more opportunity to compete—in any area—than your own family. With extensive knowledge about one another and significant time spent together, the competition can seem tireless. But just because this sin comes naturally, it doesn't deserve to be tolerated. How siblings deal with this relational struggle should concern you and give you an opportunity to have a positive influence. In the same way you teach your kids how to handle anger, fear, sadness, and other difficult emotions, you can guide them through the intense feelings of rivalry. First, if you had siblings, think through your experiences with rivalry in your own home. How did your parents deal with you or your siblings? Did they confront the problem? Did they help you with it? How? What worked and what didn't? Take a critical look at your thoughts on the past, and let those inform you on how to move forward intentionally in your family. Then evaluate what you've taught your children up to this point. How do they handle their emotions? Do they know how to confront one another in love? What opportunities do you create to discuss tensions or struggles as a family? How can you begin doing so? Realize children's competitive feelings toward one another may be covering up insecurities they have about themselves. You need to help them deal with those fears in a healthy manner. And here's something else to try. Follow the biblical precept of Romans 12:2 that encourages transformation by the renewing of the mind. Decide you and your children will memorize a Scripture verse to help "transform" your relationships. Start with Romans 12:10: "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." As you teach them this concept, you'll not only be directing them away from wrong behavior, but be showing them how to do what's right. Let the Word change them where you can't—in their hearts. In teaching Scripture, you'll be establishing a pattern that will serve them well throughout their lives. If you'd like more resources and ideas to help your children overcome sibling rivalry, take a look at Managing Sibling Rivalry, a new resource from the ChristianParentingTodayStore.com. There you'll find the advice you're seeking, the company of parents who can relate, and the courage to move forward in love. Blessings,  Janine Petry Managing Editor, Women's and Family Resources Christianity Today International P.S. I'd love to hear from you! Send your questions or comments to ResourcefulMom@christianitytoday.com. Click here for a FREE downloadable Bible study from the ChristianParentingTodayStore.com.
Living Life Backwards How life today fits into the bigger picture. Just for Fun Zany zoo ideas from ape to zebra; plus tips for summer fun.
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